EAST HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — A car crashed into a crowd outside a nightclub early Saturday morning, injuring at least 30 people. The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. near Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.

Authorities reported that the driver was pulled from the vehicle and shot after the crash. Among the injured, seven individuals are in critical condition, six are in serious condition, and more than a dozen received treatment on-site. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) transported 23 patients to local hospitals, including one male with a gunshot wound.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as bystanders attempted to help the victims. "We look out the club, and it’s a car into the hole right there. And then it’s crazy, because people everywhere, laying down, unconscious, people, bleeding out and stuff," one witness said.

LAFD Captain Adam Van Gerpen stated that the driver may have lost consciousness before the vehicle struck the crowd. The victims were primarily waiting in line to enter The Vermont nightclub, which was hosting a reggae and hip-hop event at the time. The car also collided with a taco truck and a valet stand.

"They were all standing in line going into a nightclub. There was a taco cart out there, so they were ... getting some food, waiting to go in. And there's also a valet line there," Van Gerpen explained.

Emergency responders, including over 100 personnel from the LAFD and LAPD, arrived quickly to assist the injured. Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences, stating, "This is a heartbreaking tragedy. I want to thank the more than 100 LAFD and LAPD personnel who responded to the scene to help to save lives. The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning - a full investigation into what happened is underway."

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the cause and motive of the crash. Authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was intentional. The shooter who attacked the driver remains at large.